University of Saskatchewan Announces Landmark $12 Million Donation

University of Saskatchewan Professor Emeritus Karim (Kay) Nasser (Phd'65) announced today that the Nasser family has made a $12 million dollar gift to support students at the University of Saskatchewan.

By Derrick Kunz

The donation comes in the form of real estate and is the largest philanthropic gift the university has ever received.

"Through this gift, the Nasser family is allowing more students to choose the University of Saskatchewan, and ensuring that when they do, it is a welcoming place for all students - a place where they can be successful," said Vice-President University Advancement Heather Magotiaux. "We are very thankful for the Nassers' commitment and generosity over the past four decades, and for this landmark donation that allows us to make great strides in continuing to improve the student experience."

"From the beginning of my days as a student at the University of Saskatchewan, I knew that I wanted to give back to the U of S as it made a big difference in my life," said Nasser. "If not for financial help, I would not have been able to get to university myself, so the main interest of my family is students who need financial assistance. We would like all students who want to come to this university be able to."

The gift in-kind will be used to improve the student experience at the U of S by creating new undergraduate needs-based awards, helping hundreds of students each year. The Nassers are also designating a part of the gift to the College of Engineering, and to the construction of two new spaces that are focused on building community among students: the Gordon Oakes–Red Bear Student Centre, and a student amenities building as a part of the College Quarter student residence development. The family is also giving the university the building that houses the Edwards School of Business K. W. Nasser Centre, allowing the U of S to secure its presence in downtown Saskatoon.

Mark Boots, a student who has been a recipient of the Nasser family's existing awards remarked, "Dr. Nasser is an inspiration to all students, not only for his professional achievements as an engineer and entrepreneur, but as a community citizen who shows us that it's important to support the university that gave us our start."

The Nassers have made a gift to the university each year since 1967. During his 33-year teaching career in the College of Engineering and as a professor emeritus, Dr. Nasser has been a generous supporter of the university, directing the majority of his gifts towards student awards. His wife, Dora, and their five children are also U of S alumni.

For more information about the Nassers and the gift, visit www.usask.ca/alumni/thankyou